IAF to procure 350 indigenously made aircraft in the next two decades: ACM Bhadauria

The Indian Air Force Chief said over the next two decades, India will procure 350 fixed-wing aircraft indigenously over the next decade. He later clarified that it will also include 83 Light Combat aircraft Tejas.

Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria stressed on developing indigenous capabilities, and said we need 'niche capabilities' and 'niche technology', especially looking at our northern neighbour.

"Introduction of asymmetric technological capabilities into the air force remain a challenge, looking at our northern neighbours, we have to have niche capabilities and niche technologies which must be built in house by our industry," the ACM averred while speaking at a conference 'Energising Indian Aerospace Industry Challenges for Atmanirbhar Bharat' organised by the Society for Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the IAF-backed think-tank, the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS)

"Whatever new surprise we can spring in the next conflict will be critical. This is a challenge we should start looking at," he said.

The Air Force Chief also said India is no longer importing ground based radars, and every radar is domestically procured. He also said the IAF is moving towards 3D printed spare parts.

He added that investment in research and development of new, low cost, high efficiency technology is a challenge for the private sector.